Srinagar, Sept 24:Around 35 lakh people from 7.5 lakh families are directly or indirectly linked to J&K’s horticulture sector, which contributes about 10% to the UT’s GDP and generates an estimated ₹12,000 crore annually, the government told the Legislative Assembly.
The Agriculture Production Department called horticulture one of the main pillars of J&K’s economy, especially in Kashmir Division. One hectare of orchard area generates approximately 400 man-days of employment annually, the department said, contributing significantly to rural livelihoods.
The government confirmed that farmers associated with the horticulture sector have suffered losses in some areas due to natural calamities, including hailstorms, floods and heavy rains. It said the department undertakes assessment of crop losses through field functionaries and extends assistance or relief, wherever admissible, under the provisions of applicable schemes and guidelines.
On crop insurance, the reply said the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is presently being implemented in all 20 districts of the UT. The scheme is demand-driven with no cap on the number of farmers to be covered, and all 13.985 lakh Farmer Families of J&K are eligible to avail its benefits, subject to applicable guidelines and eligibility criteria. District-wise details of farmers covered were given in Annexure-A.
On pending claims, the government said the major reasons for pendency of genuine claims include Aadhaar non-verification, closure of bank accounts, de-seeding of Aadhaar from the NPCI mapper by banks, and bank accounts being blocked or frozen. It said a special campaign has been launched to resolve such failed payment transactions, under which approximately 60% of the affected farmers have been contacted, with requisite documents being collected from them on a daily basis for verification and further action toward settlement of pending claims.
On coverage, the reply said PMFBY covers hailstorm damage to notified crops, including paddy and maize during Kharif and wheat and oilseeds during Rabi. Under the basic cover, the scheme provides area-based insurance against yield losses in standing crops from sowing to harvesting arising from non-preventable risks such as drought, dry spells, floods, inundation, widespread pest and disease attacks, landslides, natural fire due to lightning, storms, hailstorms and cyclones. The scheme thus provides comprehensive protection against major natural perils that may result in crop losses, subject to applicable guidelines and notified crops/areas.
On transportation, the department said it has strengthened traffic and logistics management during the peak fruit season through coordinated measures to ensure smooth and timely transportation of horticultural produce. A dedicated Control Room at Qazigund has been established for real-time traffic monitoring, coordination with concerned agencies and dissemination of timely advisories to growers, traders and transporters.
Govt said that the Mughal Road is also being utilized as an alternative route, wherever feasible, to reduce congestion on NH-44. Railway parcel/goods/freight services from Anantnag and Budgam to Delhi have been facilitated and promoted for transportation of horticultural produce. These measures, the reply said, have helped diversify the transportation network, reduce dependence on NH-44 and minimize the risk of prolonged stranding of fruit-laden vehicles during the peak harvest season.
